The West Papuan representative in Vanuatu, Dr Otto Ondawame has raised concern over a recent incident in Port Moresby claiming the PNG government was allegedly working in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in PNG and pro-special autonomy groups led by France Albert Yoku to force the West Papuan refugees in 9-Mile refugee camp to repatriate to West Papua.
Dr Ondawame said the action on the West Papuan refugees there was done against their own will.
"This is a violation against the fundamental human rights and international laws. You cannot force people against their own will. They have been living there for more than 20 years. Why does UNHCR keep silent on this matter?" the West Papuan peoples' repre-sentative in Vanuatu Dr Otto Ondawame stated referring to the United Nations refugee agency.
The West Papuan People's Representative Office in Vanuatu stated that the community of over 200 West Papuan political refugees living at 9-mile in Port Moresby, recently demanded deportation following an 'unannounced and unwelcome visit to the refugee camp, by Indonesian officials and Kopassus Military who were escorted to the Settlement by the PNG Police Force and more recently an eviction notice demanding they vacate the settlement.
Secretary of the 9 Mile Settlement, Samuel Imggamer explained in a statement through the West Papuan Peoples Representative office in Vanuatu stated, "The Indonesians came without permission or warning taking photos of our homes and people. The vehicles had diplomatic number plates from the Indonesian Embassy and two of the Kopassus Military were dressed in civilian c1othes.
Ms Wallaya Pura, UNHCR Head in Port Moresby, had stated at that time that she was aware of Indonesia's efforts to repatriate the refugees back along with Indonesia's efforts to coerce the PNG government to support the programme. Regarding the unannounced visit by the Indonesian delegation to the Refugee Settlement at 9 Mile she stated "(The Indonesians) shouldn't even think about going there".
According to the West Papuan Office in Vanuatu, the 9-Mile refugees chased the delegation out of their settlement damaging 2 vehicles in the process. One, of the refugees Martha Bong-goibo spat in the face of the officials and told the PNG police escorting the delegation "you should know that these people are our enemies".
"We are an enemy of Indonesia so we cannot accept the visit by the Indonesian delegation" said Samuel Imggamer. "Nobody sought permission and when they came they stayed in their cars and left the engines running".
Mr Imggamar stated, "We all have a price on our head. For example Colonel Simon Imbiri (an old veteran of TPN/OPM Freedom Fighters living at the Settlement) has a US $19,000 price on his head if he can be returned to West Papua. [The price ]only for one motive – to put an end to the West Papuan struggle for independence".
It was after this incident a week later the 9-Mile Community received an eviction notice saying they must vacate the land that they have occupied for more than 20 years.